1. Did you start it in a depressed, manic or mixed episode?
I started Lithium in a hypomanic episode. The second time I started in a depressive episode with suicidal ideation.

2. What is your dose? 900 mg a day, immediate release capsules. I have a blood level of about .7 on this dose.

3. How long did it take to work? about a week.

4. Has it continued to work? Yes. It keeps me a tiny bit depressed, and tired a lot. I may ask for something else to augment. But it keeps me from extreme moods.

5. Do you like it? Yes. It's cheap. I can eat a normal diet, and only have to prevent dehydration. I don't find the blood tests bothersome. I do have a tremor that has interfered with my job due to Lithium...but the beta blocker Propranolol has eliminated the tremor.

6. Was it your last resort? No. I originally took Lithium with Lamictal. I had a severe hypersensitivity response to Lamictal, so now I only take Lithium. So really it was the first drug I tried,and it has worked for me.

My friend is also bipolar and she needs 1800 mg a day to get the same blood level I do. It's all about the levels, not the dose really. It may take some experimenting to get to the right level for you, I know it stinks to have to wait after what you have been through. I do wonder why your Pdoc keeps you on trileptal when it's not helping. Boo on them!